PROSPECTUS 2020/21 St Mary’s Nursery & Infants’ School St Mary’s Junior School West Street Shorts Road Carshalton SM5 2PT Carshalton SM5 2PB Tel: 020 8647 5711 Tel: 020 8647 4342 Email: [email protected]Email: [email protected]Website: https://www.smcsc.org.uk/ Website: https://www.smcsc.org.uk/ Executive Headteacher: Mrs S Hulme Executive Deputy Headteacher (Nursery & Infants’ School): Mrs M Quinn Assistant Headteachers: Mrs H Nicholls, Miss F Sullivan and Miss E Bryant Safeguarding Statement This school takes notice of and adheres to all the national and local policies and guidance in regard to Safeguarding Children and Young People. Lead Safeguarding Person Junior School: Mrs S Hulme Lead Safeguarding Person Nursery & Infant School: Mrs M Quinn Safeguarding Deputy: Mrs H Nicholls-junior school; Miss E Bryant-infant school & Miss F Sullivan-junior school Governor designated safeguarding officer: Mr. T Richmond
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PROSPECTUS 2020/21 · St Mary’s Catholic Nursery, Infant and Junior Schools are both three-form entry, Voluntary Aided Catholic schools for girls and boys between the ages of 3
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PROSPECTUS 2020/21
St Mary’s Nursery & Infants’ School St Mary’s Junior School
Although we sympathise with a number of requests, it is the duty of the school to ensure all children receive
the maximum access to learning achieved by good attendance. Obviously, this takes into consideration those
times when a child needs to be at home due to illness. In the interests of safeguarding, children need to be in
school to enable all children to have the best outcomes. “Keeping children safe in education” DfE September
2019
To be read in conjunction with the Attendance Policy: Pupils whose attendance falls below school expectations
of 96% will receive a letter each term to remind parents. The school is committed to tracking attendance
with respect to safeguarding and achievement and will ask for evidence of all absences. Authorisation for
absence is only given by the Executive Headteacher for very exceptional circumstances.
Pastoral Care and Behaviour
Chaplaincy
Chaplaincy at St. Mary’s serves the spiritual and pastoral needs of pupils, staff and parents. It provides
opportunities for prayer, stillness and reflection in an otherwise busy environment. In addition to beautiful
grounds, we are fortunate to have a dedicated Chapel area at the Juniors and a Marian Grotto in the Infants’
Quiet Garden. In addition to two quiet reflective areas – one dedicated to Mary.
The Chaplain is ably assisted by pupil Chaplaincy Team members who provide a range of liturgical experiences
within school and a pupil Liturgy Group, which leads liturgical music in the Juniors. The Chaplain accompanies
all members of our school community and is available for individual meetings as needed.
Behaviour
At St Mary’s Schools we are committed to our Mission Statement, notably that of developing “the whole child
spiritually, morally, emotionally, physically and socially to their full potential”. We aim to develop every child’s
behaviour from the basis of Jesus’ teaching:
“ Love one another “ John 1.
We create an atmosphere of respect, co-operation, consideration for others and a feeling that everyone
matters.
Pupils at St Mary’s schools enjoy the freedom to work and play together without being hindered by the
actions of other children. In any community there are however, always differences and occasionally
difficulties arise. Pupils here can expect a fair and consistent approach to discipline, and distinction is made
between serious and minor misdemeanours. Procedures can be found in the school’s Positive Behaviour Policy.
The schools have a published behaviour ladder that clearly defines the consequences of unacceptable
behaviour. Teachers refer to the behaviour ladder when issuing sanctions and talking to the children about
their behaviour. Each school uses a restorative approach to rebuild and repair.
Bullying
Bullying of any form is not acceptable. Staff monitor pupils’ well being constantly and all allegations of
bullying are investigated. Procedures for dealing with bullying are in place and appropriate action is taken.
(See the school’s Positive Behaviour Policy & Anti Bullying policy on the school website and Googledrive). Each
class has a worry box for children to post their concerns in and these are monitored by the class teacher to
address with an individual child or the whole class as appropriate.
Class Groups
The class teacher is responsible for the welfare of their pupils, and parents who have concerns should make
an appointment to see the teacher in the first instance.
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Achievement Awards
The staff and pupils in the Infant School recognise significant achievements on a weekly basis. “Star of the
Week” is awarded and children are congratulated in assembly.
There is a certificate awarded at the Junior School called the St Mary’s Award each half term to
congratulate children and celebrate their achievement in each class who have made, or maintained, progress
with class work or behaviour. There is also a Class Award each half term, which is voted for by all members
of the class. The Infant School celebrate “The Star of the Week” each week in assembly.
School Council
Two children (one boy and one girl) from each class are nominated by their class mates to represent them at
the School Council. They meet regularly with the Headteacher or Deputy to discuss issues relating to the
school.
The School and Parents
The School aims to build on a successful “Home - School” partnership that is mutually supportive, to help the
child develop their full potential.
A Home School Agreement is sent to the parents each September to read and sign. This is used as a teaching
tool each term. When parents apply for a place at St Mary’s they are confirming their adherence and support
to school policies.
Information for Parents
We thank parents for their help and support given to children. We like to begin the school year in September
with a “Welcome to St Mary’s” evening. This is a time when parents can meet their child’s class teacher who
will give them information about general class matters and expectations for the year. Later in the autumn
term, parental consultations are held to discuss individual progress. In the spring term, we have our Pupil
Assessment and Review (PAR) meetings when the child is present as part of the consultation discussion and
targets are set. This is followed by a written report in the summer term.
Staff inform parents about problems with work and behaviour or parents are asked to contact the teacher if
they have cause for concern. If a proper discussion is required, then parents are asked to make an
appointment with the class teacher in the first instance. The Senior Leadership Team are also happy to talk
to parents on any issues or concerns that have been unresolved and appointments can be made through Ms
Nicol – PA to the Headteacher.
Weekly Newsletters are emailed home on a regular basis and are also displayed on the school website and via
email. These contain news about forthcoming events and achievements. Parents are urged to read them
carefully particularly for School dates. We urge parents to look out for dates relating to their child.
Google Drive is also used to communicate with the children and parents of both schools through the Parent
and Carer’s rooms and Google Classroom.
We use an email communication system to communicate with parents over all types of issues and we encourage
you to read the emails as they may affect your child. If, however, you do not wish to have communication by
email, you can opt to have a hard copy, which will be sent home with your child.
Each year group have their curriculum forecast sheets posted on the School website and Googledrive each
half term informing parents about areas of the curriculum or topics being covered including the spellings for
each week.
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Parental Involvement
We warmly welcome parents who wish to help or support the School in some way and value the contribution
they make.
Staff are most grateful for parents who help with such activities as reading, the library, cookery, sewing and
craft activities, supervision on class outings and the swimming rota. Any further suggestions or offers of help
are always appreciated or if you have some spare time available during the week your child’s class teacher
would be pleased to hear from you.
In accordance with the school’s Safeguarding Policy, it is essential for helpers to have a Disclosure & Barring
Service (DBS) check depending on the activity. The school will arrange this with volunteers.
Class representatives are appointed to be a central point of contact for parents in their child’s class to relay
information and suggestions.
Parent Forum
The Parent Forum is formed of one nominated parent representative from each class. An election is held each
September and the representative will stay in place for the duration of the academic year. The forum meets
each term with the Executive Headteacher to discuss issues relating to school life.
St Mary’s PTA enable the school to provide further enhancement to each pupils learning experiences whilst
encouraging community cohesion.
All parents are automatically members of the PTA when their child joins the school. These organisations
contribute greatly to the life of the School and hold many social functions throughout the year which parents
are urged to support. The AGM is held in the Summer term when committee members are elected.
The PTA hold a number of fund raising events and in consultation with the Headteacher, money raised is
spent on school projects, educational equipment, theatre groups and outings, which are part of the National
Curriculum. Many of these activities would not be viable without this financial support.
The PTA nominate class reps for help with the school fundraising events.
Access to the School
The entrances to the Nursery & Infants Schools are:
a) Through the gate on West Street (main entrance to the school office)
b) In the alleyway between West Street and Shorts Road. Gate 6 is for Year 2 and gate 4 is for
Reception and Year 1 children. Nursery children enter through the gate between gates 4 and 6.
The entrances to the Junior School are:
a) Through the gates in Shorts Road (St Philomena’s main entrance)
b) Through the gate by St. Joseph’s Cottage (from the alley adjacent to St Mary’s Infants School)
c) Through the gate in Pound Street
All gates apart from Shorts Road are locked between 9.30am and 3pm.
All year groups enter the school from the playground.
CHILDREN MUST KEEP STRICTLY TO THE PATHS
Cars
It is not permitted for parents to drive into the school grounds. Parents should not drive into or down
to the schools for after school clubs.
St Mary’s car park in the grounds of St Philomena’s is a staff car park and is not to be used for parents at
any time.
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Parents can only drive to the school when they are picking up a sick child or have appointments and need to
have been given special permission. We encourage parents and children where possible to walk to school. If
you bring a car, we ask you to park safely and respect our neighbours by not parking across their driveways.
A disabled parking bay is available at both schools and priority is given to parents of children at the school
when arranged through the school office with confirmation of a mobility badge.
Waiting for children
Infant School, children are released from their allocated playground and will only be released to a parent or
nominated person.
At the Junior School, parents pick children up from the lower playground at the end of the school day unless
parental permission has been given to release the child. We ask that parents:
1) Walk with their children to the school exit and not allow them to run on with friends, keep young children
by your side. (Remember the path is also a roadway for the Junior School)
2) To always use pathways to and from St Mary’s Infants School and not to cut across St Philomena’s playing
fields at any time.
Please remember no smoking and no dogs are allowed within the grounds. In addition, no bicycles or
scooters are to be ridden in the grounds by adults or children of any age.
After school clubs – Parents are not permitted to drive into the school grounds to collect children and
parents are asked to wait at the designated meeting point as detailed in the club letter.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CO-OPERATION
School Uniform
Nursery School
Winter Uniform
Boys
Navy blue jogging bottoms only
Pale blue polo shirt
School sweatshirt with school logo
Plain grey socks (not trainer socks)
St Mary’s navy school hat
Plain dark blue or black coloured coat, scarves and gloves
Girls
Navy blue jogging bottoms only
Pale blue polo shirt
School sweatshirt/cardigan with school logo
Blue or white socks (not trainer socks)
St Mary’s navy school hat
Plain dark blue or black coloured coat, scarves and gloves
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Summer Uniform
Boys
Grey shorts or navy blue jogging bottoms
Pale blue polo shirt
School sweatshirt with school logo
Plain grey socks (not trainer socks)
Navy or light blue sun hat (baseball style)
Plain dark blue or black coloured coat
Girls
Light blue check dress or navy blue jogging bottoms
Pale blue polo shirt
School sweatshirt/cardigan with school logo
White socks (not trainer socks)
Navy or light blue sun hat (baseball style)
Plain dark blue or black coloured coat
Infant School Winter Uniform
Boys
Grey trousers
Pale blue polo shirt
School sweatshirt with school logo
Plain grey socks (not trainer socks)
St Mary’s navy school hat
Plain dark blue or black coloured coat, scarves and gloves
Black school shoes – no boots allowed
Girls
Navy tunic or skirt– No split skirts are allowed
Pale blue polo shirt
School sweatshirt/cardigan with school logo
Blue or white socks or navy tights (not trainer socks)
St Mary’s navy school hat
Plain dark blue or black coloured coat, scarves and gloves
Black school shoes – no boots allowed
Summer Uniform
Boys
Grey shorts
Pale blue polo shirt
School sweatshirt with school logo
Plain grey socks (not trainer socks)
Navy or light blue sun hat (baseball style)
Plain dark blue or black coloured coat
Black school shoes – no boots allowed
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Girls
Light blue check dress – No split skirts are allowed
School sweatshirt/cardigan with school logo
White socks (not trainer socks)
Navy or light blue sun hat (baseball style)
Plain dark blue or black coloured coat
Black school shoes – no boots allowed
P.E. Kit
School PE shirt
Plain navy blue shorts/ skorts
White or black sports trainers – not plimsoles (no coloured laces and minimum decoration or logo)
Plain navy blue jogging bottom
Plain grey sweatshirt (no logos or motifs)
Navy or light blue sun hat (baseball style)
St Mary’s Infant School blue sunhat or plain blue/ navy sunhat
A spare pair of socks (for girls wearing tights)
Junior School Winter Uniform
Boys
Grey trousers
Pale blue shirt (long or short sleeves)
School sweatshirt with school logo
Plain grey socks (not trainer socks)
School Tie
St Mary’s navy school hat
Plain dark blue or black coloured coat, scarves and gloves
Black school shoes – no boots allowed
Girls
Pale blue shirt (long or short sleeves)
School tie
School sweatshirt/cardigan with school logo
Navy tunic or skirt
St Mary’s navy school hat
Plain dark blue or black coloured coat, scarves and gloves
Blue or white socks or navy tights (not trainer socks)
Black school shoes – no boots allowed
Summer Uniform
Boys
Pale blue shirt (short or long sleeve)
Grey shorts (except Year 6)/ trousers
School sweatshirt with school logo
Plain grey socks (not trainer socks)
School Tie
Navy sunhat (baseball style)
Black school shoes – no boots allowed
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Girls
Light blue check dress - No split skirts allowed. (Year 6 pupils may wear winter uniform if preferred).
School sweatshirt/cardigan
Plain white socks (not trainer socks)
Navy sunhat (baseball style)
Black school shoes – no boots allowed
P.E. Kit
School PE Shirt
Plain navy blue shorts/ skorts
White or Black Sports Trainers- not plimsoles (no coloured laces and minimum decoration or logo)
Plain navy blue jogging bottom
Plain grey sweatshirt (no logos or motifs)
Plain navy sunhat
A spare pair of socks (for girls wearing tights)
Swimming (Junior School Only)
Boys Navy Blue swimming trunks & hat
Girls Navy Blue one-piece swimsuit & hat
Towel
Goggles (optional)
As you are aware, the school prospectus outlines the standards expected for both boys and girls summer and
winter uniforms and we ask that parents ensure their children strictly follow these guidelines and come to
school suitably dressed.
The following applies to both boys and girls at both schools.
Footwear
Proper school shoes should be worn - Black Shoes - no platform soles, boots or open toes. Trainers may NOT
be worn with school uniform
The Wearing of Jewellery is Forbidden
In no circumstances must children bring or wear jewellery in school. This includes the wearing of earrings.
This measure is put in place for health and safety reasons and we would ask all parents to respect and follow
our school policy. Children wishing to have their ears pierced must do so at the beginning of the summer
holidays and at no other time. Watches, in school colours (white, blue or black) and only watches strictly
telling the time with no other additions allowed and are only permitted from year 1, but must be removed for
PE. No child is allowed to do PE or a sports club whilst wearing earrings.
Hair
All hair shoulder length and over must be fully tied back with blue or white fastenings, hair should be secured
away from face. This applies to both boys and girls. Hair gels are forbidden in the school for safety reasons.
From time to time hairstyles change but children should not come to school with ‘fashion’ hair styles e.g.
shaved or No1 haircuts, tramlines, Mohican style etc., cuts that have extreme lengths- shaved sides and
fringes flopping over the face etc.
Lost Property
Children’s belongings that are lost will be placed in the cupboard outside the school office. The cupboard is
cleared at the end of each term. N.B. PLEASE MARK ALL ITEMS OF CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
Toys
No toy or ball should be brought to school. We are lucky enough to have a selection of toys for the children
to play with at lunchtime.
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Health and Welfare
Illness in School
Children who become unwell in school are cared for by the staff until they recover, or in more serious cases,
parents are contacted and asked to collect their child.
Water Bottles
We recommend that all children come to school with a water bottle (with sports cap and clearly marked with
their name) to keep in class. This enables the children to have regular drinks and is particularly important
during hot weather.
Administering Medicine
The school has a policy on the administration of medicine for children, which can be found on the school
website. Where possible parents should request that any antibiotics are prescribed with a dosage of three
times a day to avoid this being brought to school. In the rare case that antibiotics have to be given 4 times a
day, a form must be completed and returned to the school office before medicine can be given. In some
cases, parents may be asked to come into school to administer the medicine to their child. The form is
available from the school office. All medication needs to be brought to the school office (at the start of the
term) to e registered including inhalers, epipens, etc. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure medication
is in date. The school take no responsibility for the monitoring of this.
Health Care Plans
Health Care Plans are required for those children who have ongoing medical conditions. Parents will be
provided with a template for completion to be returned to school. For more severe cases, the school nursing
service may offer advice for completing the form.
Sun Glasses
Sunglasses are not permitted to be worn in school. For any child needing to wear these for medical reasons,
an appointment will need to be made to discuss with a member of the leadership team.
Emergencies
Parents are asked to ensure that the school has up to date information, which will help speed contact if there
should be an emergency or illness. Names, telephone numbers and email addresses are vital, together with the
name of the person to be contacted. It is important that the contact person is known to the child and within
easy access of the school.
Change of Address
Any change of address and/or telephone number should be notified in writing to the School Secretary as
soon as the family has moved into a new house or changed their home phone number. In addition, changes of
parental work telephone numbers and mobile numbers should be made available to the school and kept
updated. We also request a priority email address so that communication may be made in the future direct to
parents.
Clinic and Dental Appointments
A child can be released for hospital or clinic appointments during the course of the day only when a written
explanation is received in advance with a copy of the medical appointment documentation. The parents should
come to the school office to collect the child. Children may not leave school alone during school hours.
Absence from School
Holidays should not be organised during school term time as this disrupts the children’s continuity of
learning. In exceptional circumstances, if a parent has to take a child away they must write to the Executive
Headteacher requesting the absence and explaining the reason for the intended absence. The Headteacher
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will consider the request alongside attendance and progress of the pupil. Only exceptional circumstances will
be authorised.
If a child is absent the school must be advised by 9.30am by calling the school office on 020 8647 4342
(Junior School) or 020 8647 5711 (Nursery & Infant School). A note of explanation must be given to the
class teacher on his/her return even if you have already called the school. This helps to prevent truancy and
support safeguarding procedures. The Governors have set a target for attendance to be above 97.4% in each
school. Parents should note that a late mark in the register counts as an unauthorised absence and that
attendance letters are given to parents at the end of each term where attendance falls below 96% with a
greater concern for those below 93%. A meeting for parents with the Safeguarding lead may be requested to
pupils whose attendance falls below 90%.
If a parent is requesting to collect a child early without evidence of a medical or previously approved
appointment, for safeguarding reasons, the parent will be asked to meet with a member of the Senior
Leadership team before the child can be released. The office staff are not permitted to release a child
before this requirement has been met.
School Dinners
All children in the Infant School are currently entitled to Universal Free School Meals. We would assume
that all these eligible pupils would take up this offer as we promote school meals as being the healthy option
whilst being most convenient for parents and for free!
For those children who do not wish to take meals for the whole week, Monday to Friday, they may choose to
have hot dinners on a Wednesday and Friday only. We will assume all children will take school dinners unless
you wish to take the option of providing a healthy packed lunch in which case will need to be informed by
writing. The choice is made at the beginning of each term and can’t be changed until the start of the next
term.
At the Junior School, children can either have hot school dinners all week from Monday to Friday or choose
to have hot dinners on a Wednesday and Friday only. Alternatively, they can bring a healthy packed lunch.
The choice is made at the beginning of each term and can’t be changed until the start of the next term. The information about the Universal Free School Meals is correct to date.
Dinners are available for all children and menus can be viewed on the Parentpay website. Dinner money must
be paid on line through ParentPay or by a Paypoint card, (these can be ordered from the school office).
Children may have packed lunches, which are consumed in the dining hall. We ask the parents to ensure that
the packed lunch is healthy and that no sweets, confectionaries or chocolate are included. Bottles and cans
of fizzy drink are not permitted; water is available on the table. If a child wishes to change from packed
lunches to dinners or vice-versa, they may only do so at the beginning of each half-term.
In addition, children at the Infants’ School are provided with a piece of fruit at morning break, this follows
the government initiative and is supplied from external agencies. This varies from apples, pears, carrots etc.
Children at the Junior School may bring a piece of fruit for morning break (grapes need to be cut in half). As
part of our ‘Healthy School’ initiative, we encourage children to bring a healthy packed lunch avoiding food
with a high sugar or salt content. Please note that if a child is to be brought to school after 10.00am and
wishes to have a dinner ordered, and then please call the school office to ensure your child receives dinner
that day.
If a child has been in school and dinner has been ordered and they leave to go home due to illness, the school
dinner will be charged at the normal rate.
A Parentpay Username and password will be issued to your child prior to them joining the school.
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Milk-
Small cartons of milk may be ordered for children on a weekly basis to have at break time. Payments are
made via registration with Cool Milk at www.coolmilk.com. Full details of the cost per day will be supplied by
Cool Milk upon registration. There is no refund if a child is absent or does not drink the milk ordered.
Charges for School Activities
1. Education Visits/ Events
Schools cannot charge for educational visits within school time and therefore we ask for voluntary
contributions. If the voluntary contributions however, do not cover the cost of the trip, the visit may have to
be cancelled. (Parents who are experiencing financial difficulties are invited to make a confidential
appointment with the Headteacher to discuss the matter.) We are also fortunate to have financial
contributions from St. Mary’s PTA towards some activities e.g. Christmas pantomime.
2. Musical Activities
Fees will be charged for the visits of peripatetic instrumental teachers who teach piano, keyboard, trumpet,
trombone, guitar and violin. Instruments can be hired direct from Sutton Music Centre. Refer to the section
on Extra Curricular activities for more information on how to put your child’s name on the waiting list.
3. Governors’ Fund
Parents are invited to make voluntary contributions of £35 or £50 per annum to the Governors’ Fund. In a
Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided School, Governors are responsible for 10% of the cost of most repairs and
improvements to the school buildings. As you may imagine with ever increasing costs, this becomes quite a
burden. We, therefore, ask for your support in helping to maintain the excellent standards at St Mary’s by
making a donation of at least £35.00 per family, per school.
Payments can be made on line at www.parentpay.com
If you are a taxpayer, please could you also sign the Gift Aid Declaration so that we can reclaim from the
Inland Revenue the tax you have already paid on your donation to the Fund. This rebate adds another £8 to
each £35.00.
4. Breakfast Club & After School Club
A breakfast club and after school club is currently available on the site of St Mary’s Nursery & Infants’
School. This is run through Orchard Childcare for children in both the Infants’ and Junior schools. For
further details for availability and cost, please contact Orchard Breakfast Club on 07944043250.
Transfer to High School
At the age of eleven children transfer to High School. St Mary’s holds a parents meeting in the summer term
about transfer to High School. Each school has its own admission policy and in addition, selective schools have
an entrance examination.
Complaints Procedure - Curriculum and Related Matters
It is important that parents let us know about any concerns or complaints about the school. In the first
instance, the parent should contact the teacher concerned to discuss any concern. If you are not satisfied,
then the matter will be looked into by the Headteacher. If it is not possible to resolve your concern at that
stage, then there is a formal complaints procedure. The Complaints Procedure is available on the school
website and in hard copy if required.
The information and particulars in this document relate to the school year beginning September 2020 and
were correct in relation to that year in June 2020. It should not be assumed however, that there will be no